Tundish Inertization Implementation and Improvements in Casting Yield and Steel Cleanliness at Vallourec

Steel reoxidation during tundish filling represents a significative casting yield loss because the first cast billets are scrapped to guarantee the product’s internal cleanliness. The present work shows the implementation of tundish inertization with argon during the casting start at Vallourec. Several trials were conducted to define the optimal operational and process setups for a Delta-T shape 40-ton tundish. The tundish inertization capacity was validated by evaluating the micro, meso and macro cleanliness of the final product. The avoided scrap signalizes expressive yield and quality improvements apart from savings for the final installation, which is being industrialized and validated.

Ms. Mariana Modesto | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Mr. Edney Arruda | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Ms. Erica Bandeira | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Ms. Mariana Sacramento | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Mr. Leno Miranda | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Mr. Alan Maia | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Mr. Luís Germano | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.
 

Mr. Stephane Houel | Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil S.A.